Top 10 AliExpress Automatic Watches in 2025 – Under $200

Every year the budget automatic watches market gets more competitive, but 2025 feels like a tipping point. Brands across AliExpress are now delivering specs that would’ve been unthinkable at this price five years ago: sapphire crystals as standard, full stainless-steel construction, Japanese automatic movements, ceramic bezels, 100–300 meters of real water resistance—and even a titanium diver with an original dial design.

This Top 10 watches list highlights my personal picks under $200 before tax: watches that combine reliability, refinement, and honest value without drifting into gimmicks. Some lean sporty, others skew toward everyday versatility, but all of them offer a level of fit, finish, and functionality that makes the “budget” label feel increasingly outdated. If you’re building a collection or searching for a dependable daily driver, these are the standout automatics worth your attention in 2025. Also, feel free to explore other types of watches in this price bracket of $50-$200.

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Terami TRM6801

The Terami TRM6801 enters the budget diver space with surprising refinement, positioning itself as a direct alternative to the turquoise Steeldive SD1953 while undercutting much of the competition. What sets it apart immediately is the combination of a sapphire crystal—complete with a crisp, balanced Cyclops—and a dependable Seiko NH35 automatic movement. At $100 ex. tax, those alone would make it compelling; the execution elevates it further.

On the wrist, the proportions feel modern yet traditional, with a 40 mm case and a long 53 mm lug-to-lug that gives the watch presence without sacrificing comfort. The sunburst blue dial is richer and more mature than the bright turquoise of the SD1953, fading elegantly to black at the rehaut and giving the watch a more premium visual depth.

The 120-click unidirectional bezel operates with precision. While its acoustic signature may not be quite as clean as Steeldive’s, the rotation feel is effectively identical. Terami also delivers excellent lume and one of the best bracelets in this price range—solid feel, high tolerances, screw links, and a milled clasp with on-the-fly adjustment. It’s this combination of thoughtful design and functional upgrades that makes the TRM6801 one of the standout budget divers of 2025.

Terami TRM6801 Specifications

Terami TRM6801 – N35 Diver Watch

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Cadisen C8237

The Cadisen C8237 is one of the strongest mid-size divers to arrive in the budget segment, blending a clean, modern design with a level of refinement that places it above many competitors in the $70 ex. tax bracket. What immediately stands out is its controlled, compact stance on the wrist: although the case measures 40 mm across, the 47 mm lug-to-lug gives it the agility typically seen on 38–39 mm divers. Combined with its 12.1 mm height, the watch wears comfortably even on smaller wrists.

Cadisen offers several dial variants, each thoughtfully accented by striking seconds-hand colors. The framed date at six keeps the layout symmetrical, while the polished ceramic bezel delivers crisp 120-click action with near-perfect alignment and almost no backplay — something that used to be hit-or-miss in older Cadisen divers. Sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, and 100 m water resistance round out a spec sheet that feels confidently complete at this price point.

The bracelet is solid, brushed, well-weighted, and tapers from 20 mm to 18 mm at the clasp. For under $70, the C8237 delivers a mature diver experience with excellent sizing, a refined dial, and dependable mechanical performance — making it one of Cadisen’s standout releases of 2024–2025.

Cadisen C8237 Specifications

Cadisen C8237 – N35 Diver Watch

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Cadisen C8232

The Cadisen C8232—dubbed the “Aquadiver”—leans harder into attitude and presence than its sibling, the C8237. While both share a similar size, the C8232 embraces a far more aggressive, almost industrial design language. The tall steel bezel is the star of the show: a wide-set matte black ceramic insert housed in a thick, muscular bezel with deep rectangular knurling. The grip is exceptional, the 120-click action is weighty and controlled, and alignment at 12 is spot-on with minimal backplay. For a $60 ex. tax diver, it feels unexpectedly authoritative.

The case and bracelet are fully brushed, creating a tool-first visual identity. The one-link bracelet design raises tolerances but still provides enough articulation to drape comfortably. The dial keeps the same rugged energy: circular indices throughout—with oversized circles at 3, 6, and 9—give it a bold, almost retro-instrument appearance, while the orange accents inject sportiness without overwhelming the layout.

Its dimensions remain wearable at 40 mm with a short 46.5 mm lug-to-lug, and thickness sits at 12.3 mm. Lume performance is excellent: rich blue, bright, and long-lasting. For buyers wanting a diver with personality—something a bit heavier, louder, and more assertive than the reserved C8237—the Cadisen C8232 Aquadiver is a standout at its price point.

Cadisen C8232 Aquadiver Specifications

Cadisen C8232 – NH35 Aquadiver

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Boderry Seaturtle Titanium Diver (aka Boderry Honeycomb Lume)

The Boderry titanium diver stands apart in the budget category by combining premium materials with a fully original design—something rare when most watches under $100 lean heavily on homage cues. Offered in titanium or bronze, it delivers a feature set that feels almost unfair at its price. The watch is lightweight yet durable, thanks to titanium being both less prone to corrosion and roughly 30% lighter and 40% harder than steel.

Its polished ceramic bezel insert is clean, crisp, and fully luminous—casting a chilled blue glow that spreads across the dial. But the real showpiece is the honeycomb dial, where each hexagonal segment is individually lume-charged. It’s a dramatic, memorable effect, and Boderry is the first to “fire up” a honeycomb layout in this way in the budget space.

The proportions are easy to wear: 41 mm diameter, 47.4 mm lug-to-lug, and a slim 11.8 mm profile. A Japanese automatic movement powers the watch, while the silicone strap amplifies comfort with its smooth, flexible feel. Altogether, this diver offers practicality, originality, premium materials, and eye-catching lume—setting it apart as one of the most ambitious budget divers of the year.

We have reviewed many dive watches, you may find these useful.

Boderry Seaturtle Specifications

Boderry Seaturtle NH35 Titanium / Bronze Diver

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Pagani Design PD1726

The Pagani Design PD1726 is a rare seasonal-feeling diver, distinguished by its striking white dial and two-thirds white ceramic bezel insert. It’s visually bright, modern, and refreshing—standing out immediately in a sea of black-and-blue divers. For $85 ex. tax, the PD1726 brings a generous spread of specifications: a sapphire crystal, NH36 automatic movement, exhibition case back, and 100 m of water resistance backed by a screw-down crown and caseback.

The watch has presence on the wrist thanks to its 41 mm diameter and long 53.5 mm lug-to-lug, yet its 150 g weight (before sizing) helps it sit with a stable, confident feel. The boxed sapphire crystal rises slightly above the 120-click bezel, adding a vintage-modern interplay without drifting into retro territory. The dial integrates a day-date complication and features Pagani’s first use of an inscribed rehaut—a detail previously seen mainly on Catison releases.

The chapter ring blends blue (from 12–4) and red (4–12), giving the watch subtle seasonal character without overwhelming the design. For the price, the PD1726 packs strong specs, lively aesthetics, and a distinctive identity in the PD catalogue.

Pagani Design PD1726 Specifications

Pagani Design PD1726 NH36 Diver

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Pagani Design PD1692 Explorer Homage

The Pagani Design PD1692 blends classic tool-watch cues with a clean, modern aesthetic that makes it one of the most versatile automatics under $100. Built around the reliable Seiko NH35, the watch delivers hacking, hand-winding, and strong everyday accuracy—an ideal movement choice for a budget-friendly all-rounder. The 200 m water resistance, backed by a screw-down crown and caseback, gives it genuine capability beyond casual wear.

On the wrist, the PD1692 feels compact and balanced thanks to its 39.7 mm case diameter and just 12 mm thickness. The bracelet tapers nicely, giving the watch a dress-sports profile suitable for both casual and office settings. The weight—144 g—adds reassuring solidity without becoming cumbersome.

The piano-black dial is crisp and highly legible, using oversized applied indices and a 3-6-9 layout reminiscent of classic Explorer design language. Polished elements catch the light subtly, while the fixed polished bezel frames the dial cleanly. The flat synthetic sapphire crystal keeps reflections manageable and enhances scratch resistance. Altogether, the PD1692 delivers a refined, balanced package with tool-watch practicality, strong specs, and everyday wearability.

Pagani Design PD1692 Specifications

Pagani Design PD1692 Homage

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Seestern Sub600T Homage

Bold, angular, and unapologetically tool-driven, the Seestern S407 delivers a rugged, geometric diver experience that stands out even in a crowded budget segment. While clearly inspired by the iconic 600T silhouette, it has enough presence and refinement to hold its own as a modern interpretation rather than a simple homage.

The dimensions—40 mm diameter, 13.5 mm thickness, and a compact 48 mm lug-to-lug—create a dense, confidence-inspiring feel without overwhelming the wrist. The semi-integrated bracelet transitions smoothly from the squared case, giving the S407 a muscular, cohesive visual identity. Its short, chunky links contribute to excellent articulation and weight distribution.

The ceramic bezel insert is sharply cut, tactile, and extremely grippy thanks to its pronounced notched edge. The lume-filled pip at 12 is bright, but the standout feature is the fully lumed date wheel—something rarely seen in this price range. The sapphire crystal sits flush with the bezel, preserving the watch’s sharp architectural profile.

Powered by the dependable Seiko NH35 and backed by 200 m of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a solid engraved caseback, the Seestern S407 is a serious tool watch that blends aesthetic character with genuine diving capability.

Seestern Sub600T Specifications

Seestern S456 200m Diver Watch

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San Martin SN0129 GMT

The San Martin SN129 GMT offers a refined blend of technical geometry and premium finishing—immediately recognizable as one of the most sophisticated pieces in this list. At 39 mm across, 13 mm thick, and just 46.5 mm lug-to-lug, it wears compact and balanced, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes.

The case is sharply constructed with horizontal brushing, crisp polished bevels, and a layered fixed bezel composed of brushed steel framed by a polished chamfer. Rising above it is a boxed synthetic sapphire crystal with AR coating, adding visual depth and enhancing clarity. The screw-down crown sits comfortably between pinched guards, its 6.4 mm sizing making it easy to operate.

Powered by the Seiko NH34 GMT movement, the watch allows independent 24-hour tracking. The emerald-green dial—radiating from center to near-black at the edges—features a sand-textured surface, applied chrome batons, a beveled date window, and BGW9 across the handset and markers. The red-tipped GMT hand introduces subtle contrast and legibility.

The bracelet continues the premium feel: brushed outers, polished centers, screw pins, and an on-the-fly adjustable milled clasp. As a full package, the SN129 GMT delivers tool-functionality, elegant proportions, and excellent finishing for its segment.

San Martin is a fine quality AliExpress watch brand, we have reviewed other models you’re welcome to peruse here.

San Martin SN0129 Specifications

San Martin SN0129 GMT NH34 Diver Watch

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Pagani Design PD1719

The Pagani Design PD1719 is a bold, shock-resistant diver packed with high value at an ultra-accessible price point. Available in bright orange, sky blue, or navy, it stands out immediately through its color-driven identity. It’s built around the Seiko NH38 automatic movement and offers a full 300 m of water resistance supported by a screw-down crown and caseback—impressive for a $60 watch.

At 42.7 mm wide and 14 mm thick, the PD1719 is a chunky presence, but the short 46 mm lug-to-lug helps keep the watch wearable even for medium wrists. The boxed sapphire crystal rises slightly above the steel bezel, adding depth and distortion that complement the diver aesthetic. Anti-reflective coating further improves readability.

The 120-click bezel uses a classic coin-edge design with sharp machining for excellent grip. The bracelet includes a milled double-pusher clasp, giving it a secure, confidence-inspiring feel. With a rugged tool-watch stance, strong color options, and real diving capability, the PD1719 offers one of the best pure-spec packages in its price range.

Pagani Design PD1719 Specifications

Pagani Design PD1719 200m NH38 Diver Watch

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Pagani Design PD1692 (Air-King Homage Variant)

This version of the Pagani Design PD1692 leans fully into Air-King territory, pairing a glossy black dial with bold sterile Arabic numerals and Pagani’s signature green accents—a green seconds hand and matching green text at six o’clock. It’s a clean, modern execution that captures the energetic, instrument-panel feel of the original without overreaching.

The case measures 39.7 mm across and just 11.5 mm thick, but the extended end links push the lug-to-lug to 51.7 mm, giving it a slightly larger wrist presence. A flat AR-coated synthetic sapphire crystal keeps reflections in check, while the polished fixed bezel frames the dial with a simple, purposeful shine. Powered by the NH35 and rated to 200 m with a screw-down crown, this PD1692 variant offers strong everyday specs with unmistakable Air-K character.

Pagani Design PD1692 (A-K) Specifications

Pagani Design PD1692 – Homage 200m Field Watch

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